- Tropical Storm Lala strengthened on Saturday, bringing 70 mph wind gusts and heavy rainfall across the Big Island of Hawaii.
- Road closures have been reported on Kauapakalua Road, Hana Highway, and Highway 19 due to downed trees and power lines.
- The National Hurricane Center issued a rare hurricane warning for the Big Island, which hasn’t experienced a direct hurricane landfall in 155 years.
- Forecasts indicate that Lala could make landfall as a hurricane, with higher elevations receiving up to 25 inches of rain.
- Tropical storm force winds are expected to hit Oahu and Kauai by Sunday morning.
- On Friday, coffee farmer Bruce Corker noted sunny weather in Holualoa but expressed concerns about streams overflowing and high winds.
- The storm could cause life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.
- Governor Josh Green described Lala as an enormous storm that poses significant risks.
- State Rep. Jeanné Kapela urged residents to remain alert and seek safe shelter if their homes are not secure.
Tropical Storm Lala is intensifying as it approaches Hawaii's Big Island, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph and heavy rainfall. The National Hurricane Center has issued a rare hurricane warning, marking the first direct hurricane threat in 155 years for the region.15
As of 8 a.m. Hawaii time, Lala was located about 90 miles southeast of South Point, Hawaii, and 300 miles southeast of Honolulu. The storm is expected to bring up to 25 inches of rain in higher elevations, raising concerns about life-threatening mudslides in mountainous areas where residents live off the grid.6
Governor Josh Green described Lala as an “enormous storm”, with tropical storm force winds extending up to 220 miles from the center. The storm is projected to impact Oahu and Kauai by Sunday morning, with warnings in effect for Maui County and other areas.710
Historically, the Big Island has not faced a direct hurricane landfall since a Category 3 hurricane struck in 1871, causing $3 billion in damages and resulting in six fatalities, according to Steven Businger, a University of Hawaii atmospheric scientist. Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to find safe shelters quickly as road closures mount, including on Kauapakalua Road and Highway 19 due to downed trees and power lines.234
“The National Hurricane Center issued a rare hurricane warning for the Big Island, which hasn't seen a direct hurricane landfall in 155 years. Forecasters warn of life-threatening mudslides in mountainous areas, with up to 25 inches of rain possible at higher elevations.”
AP News
